WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REGULAR PROBATION AND DEFERRED ADJUDICATION?

Probation is a form of court-ordered supervision that allows an individual to remain in the community instead of going to jail or prison for a crime. A judge will give the individual a specific set of conditions to follow for a designated period of time, such as maintaining a job, abiding by a curfew, refraining from drug and alcohol use, completing community service.

If you are sentenced to 2 years in prison for a second-degree felony, but the sentence is probated, in the event your probation is revoked the most the court can sentence you to is 2 years in prison. A second-degree felony has a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison.

Deferred Adjudication is community supervision without a conviction. Finishing a deferred adjudication does not result in a conviction. However, If you are placed on deferred and do not successfully complete it the results can be much worse than regular probation. If you are on deferred for a second degree felony the court can sentence you to the maximum time of 20 years in prison.

Another myth about deferred is that if you finish your deferred it’s like it never happened. Some offenses are subject to the record being sealed by a Petition for Non-Disclosure, but this does not erase the offense.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Paine & Nolter, P.C.
1317 E McKinney St #109
Denton, TX 76209

Phone: 940-382-4200
Fax: 940-382-4288

Paine & Nolter, P.C., assists individuals and families in Denton, Gainesville, Decatur, Denton County, Cooke County and Wise County with legal matters including but not limited to criminal defense, family law, and juvenile defense.